Help - Is he hibernating??

**Carol** · 11-12-2014, 10:08 AM

I was wondering if anyone can help me?

I've put Reggie down to hibernate for the first time this year. I have stopped food for three weeks, plenty of baths, and reducing temperature.

Unfortunately the fridge I had procured for him is too small so I am keeping him in a room in my house which is very cold (thermometer varies between 4 and 8 degrees).

But when I look in on him his legs are out and he brings his head out, I have seen him open his eyes.

Is this normal?? I thought he would be sounds asleep and light from looking into his box wouldn't wake him.

I don't want to leave him 'hibernating' if he's not really and is just using up all his energy stores!

What should I do?

Please help!

Thanks,

Carol (and Reggie)

Gordon · 11-12-2014, 10:34 AM

Sounds ok to me when they are hibernating they will move around and even sit there with their heads out so all ok ,if your temps are 4-8 then that is ok for now 4 is good but 8 is just a bit to high and will cause him to move do you not have room in your house fridge that he could go in till you can sort out another fridge

I have quite a few in a large fridge and some will move and others stay put so dont panic

**egyptiandan64** · 11-12-2014, 02:05 PM

Gordon is right

there is nothing to worry about with him being awake as tortoises don't sleep any more during brumination (they don't really hibernate) then when they are warm. Is he on the floor in the cool room?

Danny

sandy · 11-12-2014, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by **Carol**

I was wondering if anyone can help me?

I've put Reggie down to hibernate for the first time this year. I have stopped food for three weeks, plenty of baths, and reducing temperature.

Unfortunately the fridge I had procured for him is too small so I am keeping him in a room in my house which is very cold (thermometer varies between 4 and 8 degrees).

But when I look in on him his legs are out and he brings his head out, I have seen him open his eyes.

Is this normal?? I thought he would be sounds asleep and light from looking into his box wouldn't wake him.

I don't want to leave him 'hibernating' if he's not really and is just using up all his energy stores!

What should I do?

Please help!

Thanks,

Carol (and Reggie)

Temps need to be 5c, anything above and they will start to move around. As in the wild they dig down when its colder, and up when its warmer.

Suze65 · 11-12-2014, 07:39 PM

Agree with the above

Ozric Jonathan · 12-12-2014, 12:17 AM

My view is that this might be OK for the moment but the temp in your room is highly likely to be unsuitable at any point and I suggest another fridge is needed urgently!

yuna1971 · 13-12-2014, 01:30 PM

...as that's what they do in the wild. If one fridge isn't cold enough they move onto another

xx

Gordon · 13-12-2014, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuna1971

...as that's what they do in the wild. If one fridge isn't cold enough they move onto another

xx

11-12-2014, 10:08 AM	#1
Carol Junior Member Egg Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 25	Help - Is he hibernating?? I was wondering if anyone can help me? I've put Reggie down to hibernate for the first time this year. I have stopped food for three weeks, plenty of baths, and reducing temperature. Unfortunately the fridge I had procured for him is too small so I am keeping him in a room in my house which is very cold (thermometer varies between 4 and 8 degrees). But when I look in on him his legs are out and he brings his head out, I have seen him open his eyes. Is this normal?? I thought he would be sounds asleep and light from looking into his box wouldn't wake him. I don't want to leave him 'hibernating' if he's not really and is just using up all his energy stores! What should I do? Please help! Thanks, Carol (and Reggie) __________________ Carol 1 Cute Little Hermann's - Reggie 1 Naughty Black Kitten - Nala 3 Multicoloured Corn Snakes - Nacho, Salsa and Snow

11-12-2014, 02:05 PM	#3
egyptiandan64 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA Posts: 14,171	Gordon is right there is nothing to worry about with him being awake as tortoises don't sleep any more during brumination (they don't really hibernate) then when they are warm. Is he on the floor in the cool room? Danny __________________

11-12-2014, 07:39 PM	#5
Suze65 Senior Member Adult Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 6,769	Agree with the above __________________ Suze. 3 THB, Sammy, Jemima, & Phoebe 7 Marginated, Tabitha, Ptolome, Tatiana, Noah,Lottey, Lulu & Poppy 1 TGG (Emma) RIP Feb 2012

12-12-2014, 12:17 AM	#6
Ozric Jonathan Senior Member Adult Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West of Scotland Posts: 4,226	My view is that this might be OK for the moment but the temp in your room is highly likely to be unsuitable at any point and I suggest another fridge is needed urgently! __________________ Testudo Hermanni Hermanni (Corse) tortoises

13-12-2014, 01:30 PM	#7
yuna1971 Senior Member Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Bristol Posts: 7,157	...as that's what they do in the wild. If one fridge isn't cold enough they move onto another xx __________________ Rach Lily's Movie. http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ad.php?t=68025

11-12-2014, 10:34 AM	#2
Gordon Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 5,674	Sounds ok to me when they are hibernating they will move around and even sit there with their heads out so all ok ,if your temps are 4-8 then that is ok for now 4 is good but 8 is just a bit to high and will cause him to move do you not have room in your house fridge that he could go in till you can sort out another fridge I have quite a few in a large fridge and some will move and others stay put so dont panic

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode